'Minor bickerings happen': Eknath Shinde on clash between Shiv Sena, BJP corporators in Thane

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde tried to downplay the acrimony between the Shiv Sena and ally BJP in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), saying "minor bickerings" happen between parties. He asserted that all issues will be resolved amicably.

Shiv Sena chief Shinde on Monday inaugurated the office of a party leader at the TMC headquarters where he was asked about the noisy scenes the unfolded at the TMC's general body meeting on Friday as BJP corporators opposed its ruling ally Shiv Sena getting 232 resolutions passed together.

BJP corporators, including Deputy Mayor Krishna Patil and group leader Mukesh Mokashi, had also lodged a complaint at the Naupada police station against two Shiv Sena corporators for allegedly disrespecting the national anthem.

Later, a Shiv Sena leader demanded the suspension of several BJP corporators, accusing them of trying to attack the mayor and disrespecting the national anthem.

The deputy CM said, "Minor bickerings happen between parties and corporators, and these will be resolved. The pending issue of the various committees and nominations will also happen in due course." Meanwhile, Shiv Sena corporator Manoj Shinde on Monday wrote a letter to Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimplolkar, demanding the immediate suspension of the BJP corporators who allegedly disrespected the national anthem and registration of a case against them.

He alleged that BJP corporators violated rules, raised slogans against the Shiv Sena, and marched aggressively towards the mayor's podium, creating an atmosphere of insecurity.

The BJP had last week filed a police complaint against Shiv Sena's Manoj Shinde and Rajesh More, accusing them of insulting the national anthem during the general body proceedings.

(With PTI inputs)